The goal of this toolkit is to reduce California's plastic use and pollution by banning some of the most egregious forms of plastic like plastic grocery bags and Styrofoam at the statewide level. The toolkit ontains strategies to build local momentum and demonstrate widespread public support for a statewide ban. Resources include:

The SORT2SAVE Kit - Cafeteria Ranger Program is hands-on service learning and student leadership in the cafeteria. Students oversee all recycling and sorting on a rotting schedule. All students can participate. Make zero waste fun in 8 steps. Video crash course. Video - We are Citizen Scientists

Through hands-on, project based learning, the DPS Go Green Challenge educates the next generation to practice sustainability in their homes and communities and to become leaders in the green economy. Students and teachers are encourage to use school facilities as a basis for innovative programming and serve as a tool for hands-on lessons that improve student achievement, positively impact the community and reduce operating costs.

Project AWARE developed this free smartphone app to enable scuba divers around the world to record levels of marine debris causing problems for wildlife and ocean habitats.

The app makes it easier for scuba divers to register information on the man-made debris they encounter on their dives, building a collection of data shared with scientific and conservation bodies. It includes a list of common debris items and uses geo-location for quick and easy reporting.

This toolkit includes essential materials to successfully complete a Dive Against Debris survey. Become familiar with critical data collection protocols before diving in.

Report Your Dive Against Debris Data - This step is essential! Once reported, your Dive Against Debris data enters aglobal database to help support the development and implementation of policies to improve solid waste management, locally and globally. You can also report your data via your smartphone.

In this report, Equinox Project examines the environmental and economic impacts of EPS reduction policies. The report focuses on California and West Coast activities, but the information and examples can be applied in any area when considering EPS reduction strategies. This analysis is based on a review of literature, including reports produced by environmental groups, industry associations and municipalities; an analysis of existing municipal policies; and interviews with key stakeholders.

Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation’s Plastic Free Hawaii Resource guide provides resources, tools, and trainings to educate schools, business partners, and community members on the environmental and health benefits of going plastic- free to minimize the consumption of single-use plastics in the islands. The toolkit provides links to numerous websites, films, videos and books on plastic pollution.

Heal the Bay's Marine Debris Database is an online record of trash and other debris that has been picked up by schools, companies, and other volunteers as part of Heal the Bay's various Beach Cleanup Programs.

The database contains counts of the various pieces of trash that have been picked over the last 10 years at 19 of the most popular beaches in the Los Angeles area. Trash is categorized into 31 different "measures" (such as Styrofoam food containers, plastic bottle caps and rings, or cigarette butts) and sub-totaled into 7 groups (such as Recyclable Items, Styrofoam Items, or Medical and Hygiene Items). All of the data in the database comes from information entered on Heal the Bay's Data Cards by volunteers during beach cleanups. It does not represent all the trash picked up at beaches by Cities, Counties, Life Guards, or other organizations and volunteers.

Campus Plastic Source Reduction Toolkit: Plastic food service ware products have contributed to the formation of what is known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Many plastic food service items originate on college and university campuses—in cafeterias, snack rooms, cafés, and eateries with take-out dining options. Campus plastic waste can be minimized by following the four distinct steps in this toolkit. Follow the steps in the order that they’re presented, as each step lays the foundation for the next.

The Marine Debris Tracker mobile application is a joint initiative between the NOAA Marine Debris Program and the Southeast Atlantic Marine Debris Initiative (SEA-MDI), run out of the University of Georgia College of Engineering. The tracker app allows individuals to make a difference by recording trash locations in coastlines and waterways. Anyone picking up marine litter can easily track and log items from a list of common debris items found on the shoreline or in the water. Litter tracking is not just for the coasts – debris picked up anywhere in the country, even a stream in Nebraska can be tracked.

This case study will detail the background and influences for a plastic bag ban in the town of Amherst, outline the steps taken from planning to passage, and address roadblocks and missteps that may be avoided with the implementation of future bans. It is my hope that this document will not only serve as a guide, but also an inspiration for additional local action in Massachusetts and across the country. No matter what the national political climate or attitude towards environmental issues, local action is always possible, and change is usually easier than you think. Think globally, act locally!

The mission of MySafetyNest (MSN) is to become the 'go to' trusted source for every pregnant woman and her health provider to safeguard a baby's health against toxic chemical exposure. Started by Alexandra Drestler, the site is being developed as a one-stop, personalized health education platform designed to transform prenatal care. MSN equips health providers and every pregnant woman with a toolkit to reduce diseases linked to toxic chemical exposure.

The report explains the information sources and analysis underlying Eunomia’s marine plastic Infographic. It brings together some of the key findings from its recent research on this subject and includes a new estimate of annual global emissions of primary microplastics.

Reducing is better than Recycling when it comes to plastics. Reducing and reusing can divert millions of tons of garbage from landfills every year. Tips are offered to inspire everyone to reduce, reuse, and trim plastic from our lives. Includes a chart with various types of plastics, their sources and sustainable alternative options.

Design an investigation and conduct an audit of waste (trash and recycling) at home or school to discover the types and quantities of plastics that are consumed. Findings can be used to raise awareness about which items show up most frequently. Conduct a follow-up audit and provide information on whether increased awareness influenced people’s behaviors with regard to plastic use.

This toolkit will help enact a carryout bag ban ordinance in your community. It includes background information, Six Steps to a plastic reduction ordinance and a resources section. The same process can be applied to other campaigns to reduce plastic pollution like a polystyrene foam ban, or bottle recycling redemption bill.

Styrofoam Ban Case Study

Doorae Shin, University of Hawaii Manoa Campus

Doorae worked with Plastic Pollution Coalition to develop this template for campus action based on the EPS foam ban she led while a student at the University of Hawaii. Document uploaded.

The Honolulu Strategy is a framework for a comprehensive and global effort to reduce the ecological, human health, and economic impacts of marine debris. It is intended for use as a planning tool, a common frame of reference for collaboration, and a monitoring tool on multiple levels—global, regional, national, and local - across the full spectrum of society - civil, government, intergovernmental, and the private sector.

The Goals of this strategy are

Reduced amount and impact of land-based sources of marine debris introduced into the sea

Reduced amount and impact of sea-based sources of marine debris, including solid waste; lost cargo; abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG); and abandoned vessels, introduced into the sea

Reduced amount and impact of accumulated marine debris on shorelines, in benthic habitats, and in pelagic waters

The Last Straw Community Toolkit provides resources for community organizations to adopt a "straw-free" campaign that engages with local dining establishments to reduce plastic straw use at the source. Ideas and materials are presented for community organizations to educate restaurant staff and customers on the environmental and economic benefits of a "Straws Upon Request" policy, including talking points, training, and in-store displays. The toolkit also supplies ideas and sample promotional materials for community organizations to support participating businesses on social media and with a recognition program.

Think Dirty is an easy way to learn about the potentially toxic ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products. It's an independent source that allows users to compare products while shopping. Scan the product barcode and Think Dirty gives an easy-to-understand information on the product. Track dirty ingredients and shop for cleaner options. Download the app for free.

Styrofoam is a harmful product that is not only costing businesses funds to provide their customers with single use products but also costing our society money for clean public areas and increased trash disposal. This resource helps individuals, families, clubs, classes and communities make a commitment to eliminate Styrofoam and move to a Zero Waste society. Resources include:

The Healthy Zero Waste Lunch Toolkit is an operating practices manual that is intended to guide the development and implementation of healthy zero waste lunches in Australian schools. Waste Wise Schools throughout Western Australia (WA) is focused on reducing waste by implementing the 3Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle – while developing positive environmental values in students and the whole school community. Waste Wise schools model responsible environmental behaviours through hands-on learning experiences that are linked to the Australian Curriculum. The program helps schools set up infrastructure and provides resources aimed at changing attitudes and behaviours in regards to sustainable waste management.